Generational politics of the future

Perhaps it's because they are thoroughly brainwashed by old-peoples' media, or they are too stressed and busy trying to stay sane and afloat in a tough world. Perhaps they focus so much on short-term pleasures because the longer-term realities are too grim to face.

For those young people who have attempted political engagement there has been another range of horror to confront. The Greens expect them to get emotive about the ideals of the old left that has taken over the party. Rational concern for new environmental realities has faded into the background. Now it's all about asylum seekers, whales and supporting the worst of the union movement.

The ALP expects belief in whatever the current leader thinks at that particular moment, which in turn will be decided by the latest polling or by big donors, which often means the beliefs of a few old and deeply conservative union leaders. The Liberals demand total faith in the idea that now they are in power nothing much needs to change, except of course the removal of any protection of working conditions, particularly for young workers.

The Whitlam and Hawke, and even Frazer, governments were elected with the drive of many young members and aimed to win young voters. But the stakes are much higher now and the existing quality of leadership much lower. Parties that once welcomed youthful enthusiasm now do their best to repel it. The conflict with current short-term pragmatism is too great.

Maybe a revolt will happen when the great crunch comes and young people see their futures declining even further, with job prospects crashing and government support cut. Perhaps they will then impose some realism on the national politics. There are plenty of things that need doing immediately, and ways to save money. There are popular policies currently ignored because they upset old vested interests. There are new means of communication that could make it all happen quickly. Hopefully there are people willing to take on the very real challenges of power.

In these turbulent times, full of opportunity for better lives, and of waves of crisis, there are many very big decisions to be made over the next decade. The younger people are, the greater their interest in seeing real action happen quickly.

People of all ages who want the best of Australia to survive will cheer on young realists as they make the changes necessary for prosperity and real citizenship in a very different world.